LGBTQ+ Support and Belonging

One’s environment can have an impact on the journey and exploration of identity development. This environment could include those who supported you, the community surrounding you, and/or the resources that existed in that community.

Youth need an affirming and supportive environment in their journey, especially as they explore their own sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression, also known as SOGIE. Creating an affirming environment for youth who identify as LGBTQ+ through policies and affirming practices is the key to achieving the belonging they need to thrive.

How do you create an accepting and supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging? How can you be there for a youth who is coming out? There are many great resources out there to help:

• The Family Acceptance Project which includes LGBTQ+ youth and family resources https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/

• The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s All Children – All Families which provides educational resources, training, and technical assistance with a special focus on child welfare systems https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/about/all-children-all-families

• The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) also lists many resources for LGBTQ+ youth and those who support them https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/youth/lgbtq/resources-youth.php

These are just a few of the resources that are available to you.

You can also attend the Professional Development Program (PDP) training, “Milestones and Meaning: A Brief Introduction for Emerging LGBTQ+ Allies (WebEx)”. This training focuses on the creation of environments in which youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGIEs) are supported and empowered.

This training introduces participants to:

• Major milestones in the LGBTQ+ movement
• Basic vocabulary and concepts related to LGBTQ+ culture
• Laws and policies related to serving LGBTQ+ youth in New York State
• Community resources to assist participants in developing respectful and responsive care for youth

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, so consider taking some time to explore how to be that supportive person to create an affirming environment where everyone belongs.

For more information and support about this topic, reach out to the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) in your region and check out the PDP training “Milestones and Meaning: A Brief Introduction for Emerging LGBTQ+ Allies”.